Wicklow RFC Under-12s are having an exciting season despite the recent weather and are well on course for a landmark tour to Wales in March…
Following visits by two Welsh clubs last season, the squad is competing in a tournament featuring five Welsh teams and hosted by Colwyn Bay RFC.
Wicklow are joining the action as the invited, touring side. Preparations have been underway for some time and as well as the tournament, the tourists will play sides from Nant Conwy and Pwllheli in the preceding days.
The rules present a challenge as, at this level, Irish players play a ten-player game on half a pitch, while the Welsh play 15-a-side on a full pitch. To prepare, the squad has been working hard on fitness and playing 15-a-side practice matches under the club’s new floodlights.
The boys are really looking forward to the trip. Both Warren Gatland and Declan Kidney are sure to be watching this one!
WICKLOW TOURING SQUAD: Andrew Burke, Patrick Brophy, Jake Butterworth, Zachary Collis-Lee, Oisín Connolly, Mark Cullen, Rory Downes, Ruairí Egan-Barron, Patrick Finegan, Josh Greene, Darragh Kavanagh, Oisín Keegan, Conor Lincoln, Stevie O’Boyle, Ruairí O’Callaghan, Mark O’Reilly, Ryan O’Toole, Patrick Owens, Alex Porter, Ronan Quigley, Fintan Ryan, Sam Ryan, Bartje Sheehan, Airidas Vekariotas
